RoA Commonwealth

The Grand Commonwealth - typically referred to simply as "the Commonwealth" - is a nation-state founded at the beginning of the Common Era by the wizard-warrior  Sarovia Neador. It is the dominant political entity on the continent of Arginium. Since its establishment, the Commonwealth has been led by the monarchs of the Royal House of Neador.

Overview
The Commonwealth controls a land area of 2.96 million square miles (7.69 million square kilometers). As of the beginning of the year 2993 CE, the continental population is 21.6 million. Its land is wide and varied, and includes plains, forests, hills, mountains, valleys, several swamps, and a desert region in its southern reaches. The civilized races of the Commonwealth are the humans, elves, orcs, and halflings.

High Sovereign
At its pinnacle, the supreme ruler of the Commonwealth is the High King (or Queen). This person is a blood-born descendant of Sarovia Neador, the founder of the realm. Since its establishment, there have been thirty-four monarchs to sit the Sapphire Throne, including the incumbent, High Queen Juliora, who has reigned for forty-one years as of current year. Her heir apparent is Hillan, the Prince Royal.

Inner Council
Serving as the advisers to the Crown, the Council is a powerful institution. Its counsels the High Sovereign on the exercise of the Royal prerogative, on the granting of Royal charters, and in setting policy. It issues executive orders known as Orders-in-Council, on behalf of and with the approval of the monarch. Between sessions of the Grand Council, its primarily responsible for overseeing the daily affairs of the State on behalf of the High Sovereign. Seats on the council are filled by nine senior members of the Grand Council itself.

Grand Council
Acting as the day to day administrative organ of the Commonwealth, the Grand Council is made up of three dozen men and women - nobles, leading clergy, diplomats, magistrates, and military officers - who are responsible for managing continental affairs at the guidance of the High Sovereign. Seats on the Council are filled by the High Sovereign personally, and any time a sitting Grand Councilor dies or retires - or is removed by Royal order - it is not uncommon to see those interested in taking that seat jockeying for royal favor during the period where candidates are considered.

Ministries
Nine separate ministries hold responsibility for a specific sphere of Commonwealth government. The head of each ministry is a member of the Grand Council, and the Inner Council, and serves at the pleasure of the High Sovereign. The ministries are -


 * Ministry of State - Responsible for coordinating government affairs and diplomacy; the minister in charge is the administrator of the Commonwealth government and the High Sovereign's most senior adviser.
 * Ministry of War - Responsible for coordinating the Grand Army and Grand Navy.
 * Ministry of the Mint - Responsible for finances and taxation.
 * Ministry of Justice - Responsible for the courts and magistrates, also manages Royal prisons.
 * Ministry of Agriculture - Responsible for ensuring the annual harvests and coordinating food supplies as necessary.
 * Ministry of the Seas - Responsible for all ports and harbors, maritime affairs and fisheries.
 * Ministry of Civil Affairs - Responsible for intelligence and internal security.
 * Ministry of Works - Responsible for the upkeep of highways and canals, other government construction works, exploitation of natural resources, and weights and measures.

South

 * major regions - Alberdon Plains, Amberwood, Apros Moors, Argent Coast, Blackwood, Calden Gash, Diremoss, Elderwood, Goldacre, Golden Coast, Greenspire Mountains, Innegar Valleys, Inniscona Plains, Ironwall Mountains, Lanterel Plains, Mossmire, Parney Basin, Parstead Plains, Shimmering Coast, Talbor Plains, Witchwood
 * politics - The continent is ruled by the Grand Commonwealth. Its government is an enlightened monarchy led at its pinnacle by the House of Reniscu, an ancient royal family.  At its pinnacle, the Empire is led by the High King (or Queen), who is supported by a legislative council known as the Assembly of Nobles.  The crown is served by a secret police/intelligence apparatus known as the Bureau of Statistics.